140 year of Shriners

Monday, November 28, 2011

New Brochure Answers Questions About Transition to Ambulatory
A new brochure has been developed that addresses the many questions surrounding the
pending transition of the Shriners Hospitals for Children® - Erie from an inpatient hospital to
an ambulatory care facility. It is anticipated that this change will be implemented by March 31,
2012.
This new brochure has been placed in a variety of locations throughout the hospital,
such as the Outpatient Clinic, the front Reception Desk and the Drivers’ Lounge. It was developed to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding services to be provided, changes that can be expected, access to inpatient care through our partner hospitals and
why these changes are taking place.
By placing these brochures throughout the hospital, we are making them available to
anyone who desires a copy. Staff are also distributing them to patients/families, visitors,
staff, Shriners and others.
Anyone who would like a copy of this brochure is asked to contact Bob Howden, director of public relations, at (814) 875-8782 or at rhowden@shrinenet.org. The brochure is also
available in PDF format and can be emailed.

Erie Names New Nurse Manager For Surgical Services Department
Michelle Battko, RN, has been selected as the new nurse manager of surgical services at
Shriners Hospitals for Children—Erie. Michelle has been a staff nurse at the hospital for the
past nine years, starting in the Extended Post Anesthesia Care Unit (EPACU)/Inpatient Unit, to
her most recent position of RN3 in both the operating rooms and Outpatient Clinic. Michelle
began her new duties on Nov. 14.
Michelle is a graduate of the Saint Vincent School of Nursing in Erie and is currently
working on her masters degree in nursing at Gannon University in Erie.
An avid horse enthusiast, Michelle serves as co-district commissioner of the Lost
Hounds Pony Club in Edinboro, PA, an organization for individuals ages 6-25, designed to help
them gain knowledge of all aspects of horse riding, care and management.

Child advocate helps connect kids to hospital

Steven Wyble/Columbia Basin Herald

Hal Gruver

Hal Gruver is the new child advocate for the El Katif Shrine temple in Spokane. Gruver represents children in Grant County and surrounding areas who qualify for treatment at the Spokane Shriner Hospital

By Steven Wyble,Herald staff writer

MOSES LAKE - Hal Gruver loves kids so much, he can't say no to an opportunity to help them.

When he had a chance to become the Spokane Shriners Children's Hospital child advocate for Grant County, he jumped at it.

In 2009, Shriners International considered closing five of its 22 nonprofit children's hospitals, including the Shriners Hospital in Spokane.

The hospitals weren't seeing enough patients to stay afloat, says Gruver, a member of the El Katif Shrine temple in Spokane. The hospitals escaped closure by pledging to actively recruit children to be treated at the hospitals. The hospital needs to treat 1,200 patients per year to stay functional, he says.

Gruver, who has been a Shriner for 25 years, became the child advocate for Grant County in May. He is also an advocate for children in some areas outside the county, such as Ritzville, Rock Island and Moxie. Since taking on the child advocate role, he has approached more than 30 children in and around Grant County about being treated at the hospital, he says.

As a child advocate, Gruver answers parents' questions about the hospital and actively solicits children who qualify for the hospital's services, he says. If Grant County residents are interested in being treated at the hospital, living so far from it makes it difficult for Grant County residents to know who to contact, he adds.

Shriners Children's Hospitals provide free treatment to qualifying children under 18. Many parents don't seek treatment for their children's medical problems because they think they are too expensive to treat, or think their children will grow out of them, says Gruver, adding that they may not know that Shriner hospitals can help.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Shriners Hospitals for Children to Participate in 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade

"Soaring for Kids" Float Brings a Message of Hope and Achievement

Shriners Hospitals for Children will participate in the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade.

We are proud to be associated with an organization that shares our belief in the power of the human spirit, and to have this opportunity to share our message with such a vast audience

Los Angeles, CA November 22, 2011

Shriners Hospitals for Children® is proud to participate in the 123rd Annual Tournament of Roses Parade, Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, in Pasadena, Calif. The Shriners Hospitals for Children float entitled, "Soaring for Kids” will be among the many floats, bands, and equestrian shows seen by millions of spectators around the world.

This year’s Tournament of Roses theme “Just Imagine…” celebrates the power of imagination, inspiration and determination to encourage people to reach higher and try harder.

“The Tournament of Roses’ theme embodies the same spirit of hope and achievement – of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieving more than believed possible – which our patients display every day,” said Douglas Maxwell, president and CEO of Shriners Hospitals for Children. “We are proud to be associated with an organization that shares our belief in the power of the human spirit, and to have this opportunity to share our message with such a vast audience.”

The festival began in 1890 and features flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and, since 1902, the Rose Bowl college football game, produced by the nonprofit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. The Rose Parade will be broadcast live by: ABC, NBC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA-CW and Univision. Don’t forget to tune in on Jan. 2, 2012, at 8 a.m. PST / 11 a.m. EST.

About Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenShriners Hospitals for Children® is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. The 22 hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

INSTALLATION OF NEW OFFICERS:

Masons, their wives and families and friends and the public who live in the vicinity of Hiram Lodge 25, town of El Dorado, are invited to the Installation of Officers for the Masonic Lodge. The installation will be on Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Lodge, 6201 Main St., El Dorado. There will be a light luncheon after the ceremony. Please RSVP by calling Dusty Deryck at 530-621-1222 or Brian Kennedy at 530-621-3702. Dress is “business suit.”

Ten families from Porterville and surrounding communities took advantage of the free annual screening clinic offered by the Fresno Tehran Shriners at Sierra View District Hospital on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Tom Crosno, the Recorder for the Shriners organization, talked to children and their parents while he compiled paper work from preliminary screenings to submit to the board of medical doctors at the Sacramento Shriners hospital.

“If the doctors believe they can help a child,” said Crosno, “they will set up an appointment for the family in Sacramento. If the doctors can help, they will start their procedures. All assistance remains free to the parents or families.”

Most attendees on Saturday had been referred to the clinic by their local schools, a few from Terra Bella and Woodville. Refreshments available for families to enjoy while they waited at the clinic.

Crosno and his wife, Elaine, have been involved with the Shriners from 1977. “They do about six screening clinics a year at local hospitals”, said Crosno. This year they have done four or five, because Tom, a tall vigorous 70-year-old, is recovering from a recent heart attack.

One family, Rick Newman, and his daughter, Cheyenne, came late to the clinic. As he talked to Elaine, he and Cheyenne were sent straight through for her preliminary screening and interview with Tom, who filled out the appropriate paperwork for the doctors.

Because the clinic did not have a medical doctor available on Saturday, Elaine explained that the Shriners were only doing paper work to submit to the doctors in Sacramento.

According to Kurt Jauss, the elected Shriners Potentiate, the organization created their Children’s Hospitals in the 1920’s to originally help children with polio, and through the years they have continued to help children get treatment and recover from many more diseases.

“The goal of the Shriners is to take care of children from birth to 18,” said Jauss, “You look at those kids and realize that’s who you are helping. And all those small aches and pains that you have become insignificant.”

The Shriners organization has become a medical service group with 22 hospitals across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their efforts are entirely funded by donations, and the medical intervention and operations they provide at the hospitals is superior.

“I promise to deliver to these children,” said Jauss, whose father drove for UPS for 46 years. “If we can help families, we are here.” Another motto he said is, “You never stand taller, than when you bend down to help a child.”

Newman had sought help years before for his daughter, but was told that the Shriners could not do anything.

But when Jauss spoke with him about Cheyenne, he told him that the Shriners had been treating cleft palate for the last five to six years, since 2006. So it is a fairly new treatment.

Jauss is the Shriners Potentiate for one year, and said, “If any child comes to us with a problem that will not allow them to have a full life, we will take care of them. Our aim is to give a child a better life.”

“Ten families today. This clinic is a good help to the community, and we appreciate the help from Sierra View Hospital,” said Crosno, “We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Later in the day, over the phone Rick Newman spoke. He said, “My daughter Cheyenne, was born with a cleft lip.”

“The Shriners have given me and my family a little more hope about getting the procedures done that will help my daughter. We will hear back from the doctors in four to six weeks, if they can help Cheyenne.”

“I guess it is totally up to the doctors in Sacramento.”

Cheyenne needs to have a bone graft before she is 16, according to her father, and will need braces and a nose reconstruction.

As a single parent and veteran, Newman is trying to get healthy families insurance coverage for Cheyenne. But he says with medical prices so high, it is a struggle.

“The Shriners have helped a lot of people,” said Newman with emotion, “and I hope they can help my daughter.”

For more information about the Shriners clinics and hospitals, call the Tehran Temple in Fresno at 559-251-1991.

RECORDER PHOTO BY CHIEKO HARA

Kurt Jauss removes a sign after the Shriner's clinic on Saturday at Sierra View District Hospital in Porterville.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Gala & Golf Raises $20,000 for Shriners Hospitals for Children

The Sacramento Chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association and Granite Bay Golf Club presented Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Northern California with a check for $20,587.70 at the hospital's Very Merry Shriners Hospital Thanksgiving on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

The funds were raised at the first annual Cool California Nights Gala-Shriners Hospitals for Children Golf Tournament held at Granite Bay Golf Club in October. The two-day event was hosted by Randy Bartlett, president of the Sacramento Chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA), JD Firestone, secretary of ADJA, and Brad Cady, head golf professional at Granite Bay Golf Club. Joel Lerman, M.D., accepted the check on behalf of the hospital.

About Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenShriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. The 22 hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. For more information visit www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011 Mountain Home News

Two Mountain Home Tigers have been named to the East squad for the 16th annual District III High School Shrine all-star football game, sponsored by El Korah Shrine of Boise.The contest will begin at 2 p.m. Nov. 25 at Eagle High School's Thunder Stadium.

The game will be preceded by the eight-man football game at 11 a.m. where four members of the Rimrock High School Raiders will take part -- Clay Cantrel, Oscar Gomez, Nathan Black and Jorge Mondragon.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students with activity card (or 12 years old and under).
Proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the El Korah patient travel fund.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 hospitals that provides specialized care to children under the age of 18 with orthopaedic, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip or palate. All services are provided at no charge to patients.
For more information on the all-star game, call 343-0571.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Play-by-Play Sports Properties, LLC today announced its decision to partner with Skyview Networks for radio distribution and automation of the 87th Annual East-West Shrine Game to air January 21, 2012 at 3:45 pm EST. The game, which includes college senior football stars and National Football League (NFL) coaches, donates game proceeds to its title holder, Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“Skyview is a leader in satellite distribution and radio station automation. We are proud to be working with them on this premier national broadcast," said Joe Bourdow, chairman of Play-by-Play Sports Properties.

The 87th Annual East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida will be produced by Play-by-Play Sports Properties, LLC and distributed by Skyview Networks to select radio stations across the United States and streamed live on the Tune In Radio App for smartphones and mobile devices. This is the first time in some years that the game will be carried live on a radio network.

“We are enthused that Play-by-Play Sports Properties reached out to us for this exciting event,” said Matt Stys, vice president new business development for Skyview Networks. “The East-West Shrine Game is a great tradition in college football and we are proud to be part of the 87th annual game.”

The game itself is the oldest continuing college footballAll Stargame showcasing the nation's top players and has included NFL greats such as Tom Brady, John Elway and Brett Favre. The game also benefits the work of 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Radio stations interested in carrying the 87th Annual East-West Shrine Football game are encouraged to contact Play-by-Play Sports Properties, LLC for details at joe.bourdow[.]playbyplaysportsproperties.com..

About Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenShriners Hospitals for Children (shrinershospitalsforchildren.org) is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. The 22 hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.

About Play-by-Play Sports Properties, LLCSt. Petersburg based Play-by-Play (playbyplaysportsproperties.com) was founded in 2009 by retired Valpak President and longtime national franchise executive Joe Bourdow and veteran North Carolina broadcaster Patrick Kinas. The emerging company is active in minor league baseball, college sports, general sports marketing and innovative forms of digital distribution.

About TuneInFormed in 2010, TuneIn (tunein.com) is a free service that lets people listen to any music station, talk show or sporting event in the world from wherever they are. TuneIn offers over 50,000 AM, FM, HD and Internet radio stations and 1.2 million on-demand streams from every continent. TuneIn is available on all major smartphones, tablets, connected home stereos, smart TVs, and online. The company is based in Palo Alto, California.

About Skyview NetworksSkyview Networks (skyviewnetworks.com) currently provides the broadcast services for over 50 professional and collegiate sports organizations and produces and delivers Arizona News Radio and California Headline News. Founded in 1995, Skyview is based in Scottsdale, Arizona and focuses on providing broadcast network solutions to professional and collegiate sports and syndicated radio. Skyview Networks’ services include satellite distribution, full network automation, affiliate relations, inventory management systems and advertising solutions for radio, television, print, signage and web.

(NAPSI)—Every year there are 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the U.S. Approximately 10 percent affect children under age 16.

The implications of SCI last a lifetime, point out the experts at Shriners Hospitals for Children®, often resulting in some degree of paralysis and disruption of the body’s voluntary and involuntary actions.

In addition to providing expert medical and rehabilitative care, it is important for caregivers to be aware of and meet the developmental, social and educational needs of children and adolescents with spinal cord injuries to ensure they have the best opportunity for a full, satisfying life.

In the mid-1980s, Shriners Hospitals for Children established the nation’s first SCI rehabilitation programs specifically designed for children and teenagers. Shriners Hospitals for Children is involved in spinal cord injury research, including quality of life studies, the refinement of diagnostic standards specifically for pediatric injuries and studies to understand the complexities of regenerating the spinal cord.

Patients participating in these programs—at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago, Philadelphia and Sacramento, Calif.—receive the complete range of services.

The family-centered rehabilitation program is interdisciplinary, offering each patient a complete, easily accessible care program. The treatment team may include a variety of surgeons and other physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, therapeutic recreation specialists, psychologists, social workers and dietitians.

Exercise and activity-based rehabilitation, including aqua therapy, pet therapy and adaptive sports, are important parts of the effort. These activities build strength and stamina and increase social interaction, confidence and independence. Some of the hospitals also offer specialty camps emphasizing aspects of health, fitness and independence.

In addition to providing the best, most innovative care possible, the hospitals are involved in several research efforts involving SCI.

Currently, the hospitals are funding 10 research and clinical studies involving different aspects of SCI, ranging from cell repair to quality of life issues. In addition, researchers at Shriners Hospitals for Children share their expertise through academic affiliations at noteworthy institutions and by providing opportunities for postdoctoral researchers.

Shriners Hospitals for Children depends on donations to fund its research programs. For information on ways you can support this effort, visitwww.donate2SHC.org.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Portland, Ore.-Surgeons at Shriners Hospitals for Children®-Portland have received FDA compassionate approval, to use the Phenix Rod for the first time in North America. Beckem Nimmo, born in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada will be the first recipient.

The Phenix Rod, made of cobalt chrome, is a growing rod inserted next to the spine for the treatment of early onset scoliosis. Surgeons insert the metal rod and attach it to spine at both ends of the spinal curve. Unlike other growing rod systems which require surgery every six months to lengthen the rods, this specially designed rod can be gradually lengthened from outside of the skin, avoiding the need for general anesthesia and an incision. Parents have a magnetic device they hold over their child’s back and rotate to extend the rod. They turn the magnet once a day to lengthen the rod by 0.2mm. Over time the rod grows with the child, avoiding the need for repeat surgery to manually lengthen it.

The magnetic growing rod was designed by the French engineer Arnaud Soubeiran and used successfully in Australia and Europe. Soubeiran came personally to Portland to educate the family about the rod lengthening procedure.

Beckem is a curious and determined 5 year old who lives every moment in the present, but his life is not without complications. Born with a rare neurological disorder he has already endured surgery to release a tethered spinal cord and several noninvasive treatments for severe infantile scoliosis including a specialized casting technique and halo traction which have helped slow the progression of his curve.

“Beckem is such a great candidate for this special rod because of his age, size and the severity of his spinal curve. His additional medical issues made repeat procedures requiring general anesthesia particularly difficult,” said his surgeon J.Ivan Krajbich M.D.

In patients who have reached skeletal maturity the course of treatment is to fuse the vertebra together, however in children the course of treatment is considerably different.

“Kids are not just little adults, you can’t treat them the same way you would an adult. They need to grow and have room for their organs to grow with them too,” said Dr. Krajbich.

Beckem’s family chose to come to Shriners Hospitals for Children® in Portland to receive care for Beckem, because of the high quality of the spinal deformity program in Portland and the lengthy wait for surgery in Vancouver, Canada.

Shriners Hospitals for Children® is the only pediatric hospital system in the United States that provides care and services regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. Shriners Hospital is one of the largest pediatric sub-specialty health care systems and has the one of the largest full-time staff of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons in the U.S.

STEPHEN LEVY, MANAGING Partner of the MetLife New England Financial office in Foster City, Calif., donated $15,000 to Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Northern California during a special ceremony in the hospital’s Central Activity Area on Friday, November 4, 2011. The grandson of a Shriner, Mr. Levy has been an agent with MetLife New England Financial since 1983. MetLife recognized Mr. Levy with the 2011 MetLife Good Business Practices Award, which came with the honor of donating $15,000 to a charity of choice.

“I have always admired the work done by Shriners and Shriners Hospitals for Children. My grandfather and stepfather were active in the Shrine fraternity, and I grew up admiring their service and commitment to others. When I embarked on my career at MetLife, I had the honor of working with Robert Haas, a fellow MetLife agent who served on the board of the Northern California hospital and was deeply involved in building the Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento,” said Mr. Levy.

Snoopy, a perennial favorite and face of MetLife, posed for pictures with patients, and MetLife provided Snoopy picture frames to hold the keepsakes.

The donation supports Shriners Hospitals for Children in its mission to advance the lives of children through expert treatment, teaching and research. At Shriners Hospitals for Children, there are no barriers to care. Admission is based on age and diagnosis, and any child under 18 is eligible for care providing the child’s condition is within the scope of services provided. As a regional pediatric medical center, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California serves children throughout California and the Western United States. If you would like to learn more about how you, too, can make a positive difference in the lives of children, contact Alan Anderson, Director of Development, by calling 916-453-2009 or sending email to asanderson@shrinenet.org.

Something for Everyone: Nancy and Mariana are just two of the many hospital patients who had their picture taken with Snoopy during the donation celebration. Joining Stephen Levy, Managing Partner of MetLife New England Financial, were (from left) Margaret Ash, Kim Levy, Alex Levy, Kevin Le, Snoopy, Stephen Levy, Gary Kiddie, BJ Bartleson, Alan Anderson and Stephen Robinson.

We had a great turnout at our organizational meetings for both the new Ritual Team and possible new Masonic Lodge last evening. A total of 14 Nobles showed up for the meeting, however, there were others that had contacted us who wanted to be there but could not. All toll, we have approximately 25 Nobles who are interested in both the establishment of a Ritual Team and a new Masonic Lodge located here in our building. Just think of it, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to become a Charter Member of a Masonic Lodge. I have just contacted the Grand Lodge of Indiana, as my “Mother Lodge” is in Terre Haute, and learned that Indiana does allow “Plural Membership” and therefore I can become a Charter Member of our new lodge. Now this is exciting.

We have scheduled a practice for the Ritual Team on the 2nd Monday in December, the 12th, at 7:00 PM at the Temple. I believe our Lodge Room is being used that evening so we will find another room to meet in.

If you have yet to contact us but are still interested in being a part of either the Ritual Team or the starting of a new Masonic Lodge, please contact myself, Ed Stolze or Gerry Massey.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Sioux Falls Shriners Commemorate SD Girl

The El Riad Shriners in Sioux Falls had a special guest at their meeting today.They were joined by 20-year-old Paige Stolsmark.

To the Shriners, she has a special place in their hearts, since she's someone they helped raise money for the majority of her life.

Your first time at a Shriners meeting, a few things may stick out.

The hats, for one...and the music.

...And probably the clowns.

However, that's all just part of it.Today the El Riad Shriners of Sioux Falls are meeting in part to commemorate the end of a lifetime of cleft lip and palate procedures for one 20-year old from South Dakota.

"Growing up, kids would ask me about it and I felt uncomfortable about it,” said Stolsmark.

And the amazing part, the Shriners paid every cent of her travels and procedures at the Shriner’s hospital in Chicago.

"As the surgeries went on and I was more confident about my looks and everything,” said Stolsmark.

It's all part of the Shriners mission: Raising money for the healthcare costs of sick and injured kids.

If you look at Paige today, you can hardly tell there was ever an issue.

"It's great to be finished with all my procedures like I'm confident in how I look and I'm so thankful for everything that they've done for me,” said Stolsmark.

Doctors recommended Paige and her family to the Shriners when they learned about her cleft lip and palate at 5 months old.

The Shriners have had such an impact on Paige and her family, that her father is actually joining today.

"It's just a great fraternal organization, lots of great people that spend their time away from their families,” said Rolland Stolsmark.

While she says she'll miss the doctors and the trips to Chicago for treatments, Paige says she's incredibly grateful, and says she hopes to someday give back to the organization that gave so much to her.

Paige is currently a sophomore at USD and is majoring in health science.

Someday she hopes to go back to the Shriner's hospital in Chicago and work with children.

Friday, November 4, 2011

A very long standing tradition, the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Portland has celebrated Halloween every year in high style. Halloween is a fun day for all; staff, volunteers, friends of the hospital and most importantly, the patients. Most departments get together weeks in advance plotting out their theme, collaborating quietly on decorations and costumes. This year, Illustrious Sir Greg Jenkins and Lady Mavis and Noble Gene Stiles and Lady Bunny spent part of the day at the hospital, judging the costume contest and making the rounds to determine which department won the best decoration theme. Research, Rehab Services, Care Coordination and Materials Management all took prizes in the decorating and costume contest. The newest member to the team, Patch ‘aka Snow White’ Patchin took the prize for best individual costume; sporting a yellow chiffon dress and jaunty black wig.

Trick or treaters visited all the participating departments within the 7 floors of the hospital. Patients, their siblings and children of staff members were able to safely trick or treat and show off their costumes. Spiderman, Star Trek troopers, princesses and Snow Whites were in plentiful supply throughout the day, visiting those areas that chose to participate. Yummy treats for the trick or treaters were supplied again this year by our anonymous donor group who so generously brings in several large bins of ‘top shelf’ candy.

Following cocktails and a dinner prepared by the Culinary Arts School, the guests were ushered into the Lodge Room, where Master of Ceremonies Rod Smiley opened the evening’s presentation with the introduction of Lodge Master William “Bill“ Mills. Past Masters and current Lodge Officers were then recognized.

Mills formally presented the Hiram Award to Jerry Harbick, a past Lodge Master. Harbick, who was born and raised in Fresno, moved to the Bay Area and attended Foothill College and San Jose State University upon completion of his service in the Air Force. He began several different careers including application and marketing engineer. He was also an antique store owner specializing in antique pinball, jukebox, and slot machines, Snap-On Tool dealer, and Swiss supplier of control systems for Electrical Power Co., where he remained until he retired in 2000. Harbick married his wife Liv in 1993. Upon retiring, the couple decided upon Paso Robles as their permanent residence.

Harbick has served the Lodge in several official capacities over the years, and also belongs to the San Jose Scottish Rite, Al Malaikah Shrine, and San Luis York Rite. He is currently on the Board of Direcors of the Paso Robles Shrine Club, and serves as the President of the Paso Robles Temple Association, which is associated with Thaddeus Sherman Lodge. The Hiram Award was awarded to Harbick after careful consideration by a designated committee.

The history of the Hiram Award was explained to the attendees by David Chesebro, Inspector of the 501st Masonic District and Chaplain of King David’s Lodge No. 209 in San Luis Obispo. The Hiram Award was instituted in 1977 by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of California to provide a means for a Lodge to recognize a member for his devoted service to that Lodge, who has dedicated himself to the principles of Freemasonry without ever seeking recognition for his efforts, and who may or may not have served as an officer. It is not awarded on a yearly basis, but as members are recognized. Over 33 Hiram Awards have been presented since 1981.

The name “Hiram” is defined in the dictionary as a Hebrew noble; also, high in excellence and worth. The name is synonymous with “honorable, renowned.” Excellence and worth are traits highly regarded by the Freemasons, who feel that those possessing such traits are truly honorable and dependable people. Hiram is also the name of a celebrated artist in King Solomon’s time. During the construction of Solomon’s temple, Hiram was entrusted with the supervision over all the workman. Under Hiram’s direction and design, the Temple and everything in it, as well as its appendages were completed.

The Kitsap Peninsula Shrine Club will hold a screening clinic at Harrison Medical Center, 2520 Cherry Avenue in Bremerton on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. The purpose of the clinic is to screen children who may be eligible for medical care for a variety of orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, as well or muscular-skeletal disorders such as Spina Bifida, Legg-Parthes disease. More than 250 children from the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas have been treated over the years.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding medical education programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment, regardless of ability to pay. The Shriners International fraternity founded, and continues to operate this unique health care system.

Former patients are encouraged to visit the Shriners at the clinic, as well as anyone interested in the health of young people. Call (360) 692-7274, or (800) 432-8200 for more information.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

“Usually the children get to keep their art project, but when we told them their ornaments would hang on the national tree, they were thrilled.”

– Penny Lees, Therapeutic Recreation & Child Life Manager

ORNAMENTS MADE BY patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Northern California are headed for Washington, D.C. According to the National Forest Service, California has been invited to provide the Christmas tree that will stand in front of the United States Capitol for the first time since 1995. The tree selected will stand nearly six stories high and will come from the Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County, a region served by Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Northern California. Adding to the excitement is the fact that ornaments made by patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children will decorate the 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree. While temperatures climbed toward the 100-degree mark this summer, kids at the Shriners Hospital in Sacramento celebrated Christmas in July by making ornaments for the 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree. Working to the theme California Shines, the kids used glitter and glue to make their baubles sparkle. A ribbon that reads Shriners Hospitals for Children finished each of the ornaments that will travel by truck to Washington D.C. in November. The Shriners Hospital creations are among more than 5,000 other ornaments that will adorn the 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree.

“The kids had lots of fun making the ornaments,” says Penny Lees, Manager of the hospital’s Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life program. “Usually the children get to keep their art project, but when we told them their ornaments would hang on the national tree, they were thrilled. It was a real honor to be part of this project.”

If you are interested in learning more about how you can join Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California in building a caring community, please call the Public & Community Relations Office at 916-453-2018